Each Friday at Murray Street Bakery, lover of all things floral and the woman behind concept “The Botanic Merchant”, Jardine Wright, can be found with an abundance of stunning and unique in season blooms for sale, at market prices. FOCUS caught up with the vibrant blossom herself and chatted all things flowers …

What is your connection with our beautiful region?

My family and I moved to PM about 23 years ago … so I have almost grown up here. I went to school here, made lots of friends here, met my husband here and had my babies here. I could nearly be classed as a local!

Over the last 10 years, my husband and I have both started and grown our businesses in the beautiful Hastings area. My husband runs a busy and successful painting company, and I have had the great opportunity to develop and grow my own identity with both homewares and florals.

We have both been heavily involved in the community with local events and fundraising.

We are very much at home here and are proud to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic region.

You’ve recently started a new venture, “The Botanic Merchant”. What was the inspiration behind this?

The Botanic Merchant is my new passion. I love flowers! Who doesn’t? I wanted to provide my customers with an opportunity to appreciate them as much as I do.

I have done extensive research and together with my travels in Asia and Europe, I felt that the techniques and knowledge I have acquired would give my customers that appreciation … So, I decided to bring my take of beautiful fresh florals to Port Macquarie.

Tell us about the services you provide?

I provide arrangements for every occasion. Everything is customised to suit my customers’ needs.

I design corporate gifts and arrangements for every need … Small and elegant, or big and bold!

There is not much you can’t say with flowers.

Tell us more about your Friday Flower Market …

I identified a need for a wholesale flower market after getting lots of feedback from my customers.

Many people were telling me that they were struggling to find good quality fresh flowers at a reasonable price. So, every Friday I hold a wholesale flower market at Murray St Bakery.

This has grown immensely, and every Friday seems bigger than the last. My variety is growing as well. I find people want more than a couple of choices … And I can certainly give them that!

The beauty about providing this service every Friday at Murray St Bakery is that it has become a bit of a social gathering. I have regulars who come every week, and I am finding that every week I am seeing new faces … I love that! It is what makes it all so special.

I run the market every Friday from 10:30am until 1:30pm.

In the lead up to Christmas, what special Christmas blooms will be available?

Each year in the lead up to Christmas I assist many local businesses by providing corporate gifts for their clients and colleagues, as well as doing many themed florals for events and parties.

I will host two flower markets in the week leading up to Christmas; everyone is welcome to come along to purchase flowers for Christmas Day.

What is next for The Botanic Merchant?

I am constantly listening to customer feedback, and I am looking forward to 2018! I always have big plans to keep my customers happy … So stay tuned.

What is your favourite bloom or floral style and why?

There are so many to choose from, but I think the King Protea has to be at the top of my list. It can be incorporated into any arrangement with many other varieties, but can also stand alone and be quite magnificent.

My favourite floral style is Wild Textured. Lush green foliage, berries, Protea, Sea Holly and Geraldton Wax would have to be one of my signature blends.

Where/how can our readers get in touch?

Get in touch on 0402 077 395, and keep updated on our flower market at: